IT IS called the "Smart and Skilled" program, but the union representing TAFE thinks it is anything but clever.
Public Service Association members held a protest on October 9 at Kogarah in response to state vocational education and training reforms.
Under the changes, government subsidies are limited to certain courses so some students will have to pay higher fees from next year.
The union, which represents support staff, also fears jobs and services cuts.
Local organiser Nathan Bradshaw said members condemned reforms in its "push to privatise the sector".
He said students would be disadvantaged from a profit-driven model that did not place strong emphasis on educational outcomes.
"We're trying to get the message out there that this will lead to limited availability and quality of training," Mr Bradshaw said.
"TAFE is forced to compete with other providers, but that means implications for unskilled students."
He said some trades courses, such as hairdressing, would increase from about $1100 a year to about $9000.
Mr Bradshaw said a TAFE certificate III in hairdressing cost about $1676 this year, but the base price would rise to $9970 next year.
"At the moment, students who call the college cannot be told what their course will cost next year, which is difficult if they are planning their future," he said. "They don't know if they will be in debt."
The union is also concerned about cuts to student disability, learning support and childcare services.
"These are critical and they provide opportunities for students who may not [have] otherwise had access to higher education," Mr Bradshaw said.
A St George College employee said he was worried about his job while students feared some courses might close or get sent to other colleges.
"We are already under-staffed, so it's hard to run things when classes get bigger," he said.
A community information forum will be at Tradies Gymea, 6.30pm, October 28. Details: ourtafe.org.au
MORE CHOICE PLEDGE
The government said that under the reforms, students would ‘‘have more choice’’.
Prices, fees and subsidies were released in May this year.
From January 1, 2015, Smart and Skilled provides eligible students with an entitlement to government-subsidised training up to and including Certificate III.
This includes all apprenticeships, some government-funded traineeships for higher-level courses in targeted priority areas, subject to funding availability.
VET FEE-HELP loans are available for government-subsidised training in NSW at Advanced Diploma and Diploma level and for some selected Certificate IV qualifications.
Details: training.nsw.gov.au/smartandskilled/
